Cylindrical Chess Game Apparatus and Method

ABSTRACT

A chess game played on a cylindrical chessboard with two sets of chess pieces and a playing surface made up of a plurality of 14 ranks and 8 files. The knight pieces of each side are actually two-sided knights that can be separated during play to generate additional knights with an ultimate eight knights involved in the game.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional Ser. No. 61/499,972, filed Jun. 22, 2011 by the present inventor.

FIELD

The description herein relates to chess games and more particularly to a variation of a chess game.

BACKGROUND

The use of modified chess games is known in the prior art. Many of these approaches are addressed to creating alternate chess experiences or alternate strategies for playing the game. Many of these alternates make use of additional or different chess pieces to increase the possible combinations of the game. Others change the layout of the board with different numbers of squares or even change the basic geometry away from a simple 8×8 square.

While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, chess players continue to search for new experiences that expand the interest of the game.

There is a need in the market of chess games for more interesting and intriguing chess alternates that still closely match the basic strategy of the ancient game but introduce new and innovative options.

A new apparatus and method of playing an expanded chess game is needed and is described herein. The apparatus and method described herein substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of adding new challenges to the traditional game of chess and increasing the interest in the game of chess.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The need described is provided by a chess game apparatus including at least: two sets of chess pieces; a cylinder having a playing surface marked with playing positions in a plurality of 14 ranks and 8 files; each set of chess pieces comprising a plurality of major pieces equal in number to the number of files on the playing surface and a plurality of pawns equal in number to twice the number of files on the playing surface; the sets being distinguishable from each other by color; wherein the major pieces for each set include one King, one Queen, two bishops, two Knights, and two Rooks; and wherein each of the two Knights is a double sided Knight that can be separated into two single sided knights at any time.

In another aspect the cylinder and chess pieces include a means for holding the chess pieces onto the cylinder. That holding means may be magnetic, or other means such as Velcro, or pegs.

The need described can also be provided by a method for playing a game of chess on a cylindrical chessboard comprising the steps of: providing a chessboard comprising a plurality of fourteen ranks and eight files of checkered alternating colored squares configured around a cylindrical chessboard; providing a first set of chess pieces including 16 Pawns, two Rooks, two two-sided Knights, two Bishops, two Rooks, one Queen, and one King; providing a second set of chess pieces including 16 Pawns, two Rooks, two two-sided Knights, two Bishops, two Rooks, one Queen, and one King; the first set of chess pieces being visually distinguishable from the second set of chess pieces as a lighter colored and darker colored set; providing two King ranks for the major pieces on the chessboard separated from each other with 6 ranks in-between them; placing of the Rooks at opposing ends of the associated one of the King ranks; placing of the two-sided Knights into the associated one of the King ranks and into the squares positioned adjacent to the rooks; placing of the Bishops into the associated one of the King ranks and into the squares positioned adjacent to the Knights; placing one each of the King and Queen into the remaining two squares of the King ranks positioned between the Knights with the lighter colored King on a lighter color square and the darker colored King on a darker square; designating the ranks on each side of the King ranks as pawn ranks; placing of the Pawns into each of the squares of the associated one of the Pawn ranks; initiating a game of chess with the players alternating turns of play; selecting of one of the chess pieces of the associated one of the sets of chess pieces by each of the players during their turn; moving of one of said Bishops to any of said squares along a diagonal including said square on which the associated one of said Bishops is positioned on when one of said bishops is selected during one of the payers turns; said Bishop can move any number of squares unless they are blocked by another piece or reach the edge of the board; moving of one of said Rooks to any of said squares along one of the ranks or one of the files including said square on which the associated one of said Rooks is positioned on when one of said rooks is selected during one of the payers turns; said Rook can move any number of squares unless they are blocked by another piece or reach the edge of the board; moving of said Queen to any of said squares along one of the ranks, one of the files or one of the diagonals including said square on which the associated one of said queen is positioned on when one of said queens is selected during one of the players turns; said Queen can move any number of squares unless they are blocked by another piece or reach the edge of the board; moving of the King to any of the squares being positioned adjacent to the square occupied by the King when the King is selected during one of the players turn;

moving of one of the two-sided Knights to any of the squares nearest to the square occupied be the associated one of the Knights but is not in the same the rank, the same file or one of the diagonals including the square occupied by the associated one of the knights when one of the Knights is selected during one of the players turns; choosing, when appropriate during one of the players turns to separate either of that players two-sided Knights and move both of the resulting Knights to any of the squares nearest to the square occupied be the associated one of the knights but is not in the same the rank, the same file or one of the diagonals including the square occupied by the associated one of the two-sided Knights; capturing of one of the chess pieces controlled by an opponent when one of the Rooks, the Knights, the Bishops, the Queen or the King moves into one of the squares occupied by one of the chess pieces controlled by the opponent during moving of one of the Rooks, the Knights, the Bishops, the Queen or the King; choosing by the players to move the Pawn forward a maximum of two of the squares in the file occupied by the associated one of the Pawns during initial movement of the associated one of the Pawns when the associated one of the Pawns is selected during one of the players turn; moving of one of the Pawns forward one of the squares in the file occupied by the associated one of the Pawns when the associated one of the Pawns is selected during a players turn wherein Pawns on each of the Pawn ranks advance around the cylindrical chessboard only in the direction of the opposing rank.; capturing of one of the chess pieces controlled by the opponent by one of the Pawns when the associated one of the chess pieces is positioned diagonally forward of the associated one of the Pawns and on an adjacent file to the associated one of the Pawns; continuing of the players to take turns; winning of the chess game by one of the players when one of the players positions their associated chess pieces to place the King controlled by the opponent into checkmate.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a rendering of the cylindrical chessboard described herein.

FIG. 2 is a rendering of the board of the cylindrical chessboard of FIG. 1 presented in a two dimensional format with the initial placement of the pieces.

FIG. 3 is a rendering of the cylindrical chessboard with one set of pieces presented attached to the chessboard.

FIG. 4 is a rendering of the two-sided knight of this chess game which can be separated into two distinct pieces.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The method and apparatus for playing a game of chess according to the present description incorporates the essential characteristics of standard chess, including the well known chess pieces and many of the original ways of moving the pieces and the object of the game to check mate an opponent, while using a different geometry and some enhanced capability of certain pieces.

FIG. 1 as exhibited by the numeral 100 is the unique geometrical board. Shown is a cylindrical board consisting of 112 squares instead of the standard 64, configured in a checkerboard pattern. Cylinder 100 is configured to spin around an axis mounted to two end posts 120. Posts 120 are attached for stability and rigidity to a base 110. Posts 120 must be positioned sufficiently above base 110 to permit clearance of the chess pieces as the cylinder is rotated.

The layout of the pieces in described in FIG. 2 in which the checkerboard pattern of the cylindrical board is shown in a flat two-dimensional rendition as 200. There are a total of 14 ranks and 8 files—resulting in 112 total squares. The pieces number a total of 26 on each side. For descriptive purposes the two sides are described as white and black although the colors are not limited to those combinations. There are two king lines—white 210 and black 220, separated by 6 ranks in between them. The king lines are essentially the same as conventional chess—a king and queen, two bishops, two knights, and two rooks—in the same configuration as conventional chess. Of special note is that each knight shown is actually two knights—the specifics of those knights will be explained shortly.

Each king line is surrounded in the start-up configuration by a line of pawns—resulting in 16 pawns for each side. Each of the pawns can only move toward their opposing King ranks. Thus they cannot move toward their own king line in a backwards movement.

For each side there are thus 16 pawns, 4 knights (2-double sided), 2 bishops, 2 rooks, 1 king, and 1 queen. A total of 26 pieces per side and 52 in total.

The king lines 210 and 220 are distinguished from other lines by being divided into thirds of dark and light rectangular stripes. Thus each of these squares can be either 2 dark stripes with a central light strip—representing a dark square, or 2 light stripes with a central dark stripe—representing a light square.

In a preferred embodiment the cylinder is magnetic and each of the pieces has a magnetic base to maintain a stable connection as the cylinder spins during play. It should be recognized that other approaches could be used to attach the pieces to the board, such as pegs with holes or Velcro technology and any of these are also anticipated by the invention. FIG. 3 demonstrates the placement of the all of the white pieces, all fixed to their opening placement except for one knight. Knight 320 can be seen as a two-sided knight that has moved across the board in typical knight-type moves. All of the pieces can have a base adapted to fit correctly to the curvature of the playing surface of the cylinder.

Of particular note is the knight. As shown in FIG. 4 each knight can be separated into two identical pieces and has the ability to move as either one piece or two—in the same movement. Note also that the base of the knight, as of the other pieces has a curvature to match the curvature of the cylindrical playing surface.

The rules of movement are very similar to conventional chess as follows:

The one King can move only one square at a time but can do so forward, backward, left, right, and diagonally. The one Queen can move vertically, horizontally, and diagonally any number of squares unless they are blocked by another piece or reach the edge of the board. There are two bishops on a side, one always on a white square and one always on a black square. They can only move diagonally as far as desired until they are blocked by another piece or reach the edge of the board. There are two rooks on each side and they can move forward backward left or right as many spaces as desired without jumping other pieces or leaving the board.

The two knights on each side are actually four knights in this description. The move of a knight is often referred to as “L” shaped. Two squares forward, backward, left, or right, then left or right one square. The additional complexity in this version can be seen in FIG. 4—the original configuration of any of the knight pieces is really a two sided knight that can be joined in the middle by any number of means (magnetic, pegged, Velcro. Etc.). Once the game begins each player has the option in any move of splitting the knights and have both of them move in the conventional knight “L” shaped move—greatly increasing the possibilities of moves and changing the game strategy. Once the knights are separated they become separate pieces and enjoy only one move at a time.

The sixteen pawns on each side are also different than conventional chess. They are all the same color and shape but each pawn line can only advance toward the other king ranks in a forward direction. No retreating. As in conventional chess their first move can be two squares. After that one square at a time and forward only. Pawns can only capture diagonally—one square. As in conventional chess if a pawn can advance to the king row of the opposing side it is rewarded with a promotion to any piece chosen, but that is usually a queen.

Other special chess moves also apply in this version of the game. Castling—the simultaneous move between a King and a Rook along the King line is still allowed and can be either Queen side castling in which the King moves two squares toward the Rook and the Rook moves three squares toward and over the King. Or King side castling in which the King moves two squares toward the Rook and the Rook moves two squares toward and over the King. As in conventional chess neither of the pieces involved, the King and the Rook, can have moved before the castling move. And there can be no pieces between the King and Rook at the time of castling.

The unique en-passant rule that applies to pawns also applies to the 16 pawns on each side. When a pawn from either side moves from its original position and moves two squares and lands adjacent to an opponents pawn—on the very next move this pawn can be captured by the opponents pawn by the opponent moving his pawn behind the pawn that moved two squares on its first move.

All of the other chess rules apply, including the rules for check and checkmate, which will not be explained here but are known in the prior art.

It should be evident that this is a rather different game of chess, requiring special strategies due to the cylindrical board that has pieces moving toward King lines from two directions as well as the additional intrigue of having four knights on the board that can become eight knights as the game progresses.

A game begins with the configuration shown in FIG. 2. As mentioned previously the King lines—line 210 and 220 are distinguished by a different coloring mechanism for those two rows. This can be seen in both FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. The king lines 210 and 220 are distinguished from other lines by being divided into thirds of dark and light rectangular stripes. Thus each of these squares can have either 2 dark stripes with a central light strip—representing a dark square or 2 light stripes with a central dark stripe—representing a light square. The steps include each of the first and second players moving a piece in turn, each move comprising the relocation of one of the player's pieces from one square to another square on the board. The pawns, only one at a time, can move only toward the opposing King line and must follow the conventional rules, moving only forward toward the opposing King line. On any move either player can elect to split one of his/her knights and move both halves in a conventional knight move.

After that first split the separated knights observe the traditional rules of knight moves. The unique moves of castling and capturing en-passent can be employed when appropriate. The game proceeds until a check-mate, stalemate, or resignation by one player.

While the description has made references to specific embodiments thereof, it is apparent that many changes, modifications and variations in the materials, arrangements of parts and steps can be made without departing from the inventive concept disclosed herein. 

1. A chess game apparatus comprising: a. two sets of chess pieces b. a cylinder having a playing surface marked with playing positions in a plurality of 14 ranks and 8 files; c. each set of chess pieces comprising a plurality of major pieces equal in number to the number of files on the playing surface and a plurality of pawns equal in number to twice the number of files on the playing surface; d. said sets being distinguishable from each other by color; e. wherein the major pieces for each set include one, one Queen, two bishops, two Knights, and two Rooks; f. wherein the major pieces of each of the two sets are initially configured on ranks separated from each other with six ranks in between them; g. and wherein each of said two Knights is a double sided Knight that can be separated into two single sided knights at any time.
 2. The chess game apparatus of claim 1 wherein said cylinder and chess pieces include a means for holding the chess pieces onto the cylinder.
 3. The chess game apparatus of claim 2 wherein said means for holding the chess pieces onto the cylinder is magnetic.
 4. The chess game apparatus of claim 2 wherein said means for holding the chess pieces onto the cylinder is by means of pegs in the base of each chess piece are inserted into holes in the cylinder.
 5. The chess game apparatus of claim 2 wherein said means for holding the chess pieces onto the cylinder is with Velcro fabric on the cylinder and on the base of each piece.
 6. The chess game apparatus of claim 21 wherein the base of each piece is curved to adapt to the curvature of the cylinder.
 7. A method for playing a game of chess on a cylindrical chessboard comprising the steps of: a. providing a chessboard comprising a plurality of fourteen ranks and eight files of checkered alternating colored squares configured around a cylindrical chessboard; b. providing a first set of chess pieces including 16 Pawns, two Rooks, two two-sided Knights, two Bishops, two Rooks, one Queen, and one King; c. providing a second set of chess pieces including 16 Pawns, two Rooks, two two-sided Knights, two Bishops, two Rooks, one Queen, and one King; said first set of chess pieces being visually distinguishable from said second set of chess pieces as a lighter colored and darker colored set; d. providing two King ranks for the major pieces on the chessboard separated from each other with 6 ranks in-between them; e. placing of said Rooks at opposing ends of the associated one of said King ranks; f. placing of said two-sided Knights into the associated one of said King ranks and into said squares positioned adjacent to said rooks; g. placing of said Bishops into the associated one of said King ranks and into said squares positioned adjacent to said Knights; h. placing one each of said King and Queen into the remaining two squares of said King ranks positioned between said Knights with the lighter colored King on a lighter color square and the darker colored King on a darker square; i. designating said ranks on each side of said King ranks as pawn ranks; j. placing of said Pawns into each of said squares of the associated one of said Pawn ranks; k. initiating a game of chess with the players alternating turns of play; l. selecting of one of said chess pieces of the associated one of said sets of chess pieces by each of the players during their turn; m. moving of one of said Bishops to any of said squares along a diagonal including said square on which the associated one of said Bishops is positioned on when one of said bishops is selected during one of the payers turns; said Bishop being able to move any number of squares unless they are blocked by another piece or reach the edge of the board; n. moving of one of said Rooks to any of said squares along one of the ranks or one of the files including said square on which the associated one of said Rooks is positioned on when one of said rooks is selected during one of the payers turns; said Rook being able to move any number of squares unless they are blocked by another piece or reach the edge of the board; o. moving of said Queen to any of said squares along one of the ranks, one of the files or one of the diagonals including said square on which the associated one of said queen is positioned on when one of said queens is selected during one of the players turns; said Queen being able to move any number of squares unless they are blocked by another piece or reach the edge of the board; p. moving of said King to any of said squares being positioned adjacent to said square occupied by said King when said King is selected during one of the players turn; q. moving of one of said two-sided Knights to any of said squares nearest to said square occupied be the associated one of said Knights but is not in the same the rank, the same file or one of the diagonals including said square occupied by the associated one of said knights when one of said Knights is selected during one of the players turns; r. choosing, when appropriate during one of the players turns to separate either of that players two-sided Knights and move both of the resulting Knights to any of said squares nearest to said square occupied be the associated one of said knights but is not in the same the rank, the same file or one of the diagonals including said square occupied by the associated one of said two-sided Knights; s. capturing of one of said chess pieces controlled by an opponent when one of said Rooks, said Knights, said Bishops, said Queen or said King moves into one of said squares occupied by one of said chess pieces controlled by the opponent during moving of one of said Rooks, said Knights, said Bishops, said Queen or said King; t. choosing by the players to move said Pawn forward a maximum of two of said squares in said file occupied by the associated one of said Pawns during initial movement of the associated one of said Pawns when the associated one of said Pawns is selected during one of the players turn; u. moving of one of said Pawns forward one of said squares in said file occupied by the associated one of said Pawns when the associated one of said Pawns is selected during a players turn wherein Pawns on each of the Pawn ranks advance around said cylindrical chessboard only in the direction of the opposing rank.; v. capturing of one of said chess pieces controlled by the opponent by one of said Pawns when the associated one of said chess pieces is positioned diagonally forward of the associated one of said Pawns and on an adjacent file to the associated one of the Pawns; w. continuing of the players to take turns; x. winning of the chess game by one of the players when one of the players positions their associated chess pieces to place said King controlled by the opponent into checkmate. 